Davy Fitzgerald has stepped down as Antrim senior hurling manager with immediate effect. The Clare native told the squad after Sunday's 1-29 to 1-21 home win over Carlow that he was leaving, citing a breakdown of trust with some county board members. His two-year tenure, which included an option for a third year, ended right after Antrim's Joe McDonagh Cup exit.

Antrim lost opening McDonagh fixtures to Down and Laois but recovered with three straight wins over London, Westmeath, and Carlow. Tension with the board peaked after the Laois defeat, when Antrim GAA issued a statement denying Fitzgerald had been dismissed and then reinstated him following squad concerns. That episode left relations badly damaged.

Fitzgerald, a two-time All-Ireland winner with Clare as goalkeeper, has managed Waterford, Clare, Wexford, and Cork camogie before taking the Antrim job. His departure leaves the county without a hurling manager heading into restructuring discussions.